Most of the time, it’s just your hair going through its normal stage of shedding. On the average, you lose 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. Shed hair is replaced by new hair, and the hair growth cycle starts over. However, if you notice your hair thinning or falling out excessively , you may need to seek professional help to avert baldness, or alopecia. Alopecia can affect anyone. And- it’s not always determined by “the mothers genetics”. Truth is, there are several causes of alopecia. Let us take a look at a few reasons why people lose hair.

The most common cause of baldness in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. This is caused by increased levels of androgens or male hormones. It may be hereditary. You may notice an M-shaped thinning of hair in your temples and crown if you are a male, or thinning in the central and frontal scalp if you are a female. On the other hand, a bald spot on your scalp may be due to alopecia areata. In this condition, your immune system produces antibodies that normally fight off harmful microorganisms, but instead damage your hair follicles, leading to hair loss that appears as smooth round patches.

If you underwent surgery or had a severe illness during the last 3 months, you may also notice hair loss that is more than what you’re used to. As a natural reaction of your body to a stressful life situation, about 50% of your hair enters the resting phase of hair growth. Because shed hair is not immediately replaced, thinning of your hair becomes apparent. This temporary hair loss is called telogen effluvium. Your hair will grow back once the underlying illness resolves. Hormones also play a role in hair loss that is associated with thyroid diseases and pregnancy. An excess or a decrease in your thyroid hormones may lead to alopecia. After giving birth, the abrupt decrease in the level of the female hormone estrogen causes temporary yet massive hair shedding. Other medical conditions that may lead to hair loss include fungal infections, diabetes, lupus and intake of certain medications.

The constant pulling of your hair when you wear pigtails, cornrows or a tight ponytail damages your hair follicles, leading to traction alopecia. Improper and frequent use of hair treatments may also weaken your hair and cause breakage. Some people are unable to control the impulse to pull out their hair. In these cases of trichotillomania, psychological intervention is also necessary. It will guide your dermatologist or hair specialist in deciding which hair loss option is appropriate for you. You may have to receive oral and topical medications, or undergo procedures such as laser hair therapy, hair transplantation, or hair replacement.

Hair loss in men is a common occurrence. Sure, it happens more so in some men than others, but every man loses hair. The most common cause of hair loss in men is genetics.Hair loss in men is far more common than it is in women. Along with hair loss being hereditary, other common causes are mental and physical stress as well as age. Yes, stress does cause your hair to fall out. Even simple everyday stress can do this but it is much more prevalent in men who have high stress occupations.

Hair loss for men usually starts to occur with the thinning of the hair. When this starts to happen, you will usually notice that your hair is falling out piece by piece or in clumps. Early hair loss in men is also accompanied by a receding hair line. As the hairline continues to recede, a man has a few options. He can begin to cut his hair shorter to cover up the recession, find a hair loss cure, or simply deal with it. To some, it is a big deal to loose their hair, but on the other hand, some men don’t worry about it at all.

Hair loss in men has never been more treatable than it is today. There are many solutions including Rogaine, which is the most popular cure available. Rogaine works in the majority of the men who use it. Hair loss in men can also be combated by topical solutions, or natural remedies, such as vitamins. Another popular remedy for hair loss in men is hair transplantation surgery. This plan of action has become more popular in the last three years due to more professionals practicing this technique and better results from the surgery. This surgery consists of your doctor grafting areas of your scalp that are in good condition to areas that are thinning or balding. More and more men with hair loss are looking in this direction for a cure.